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The training of the three Pokémon was proceeding in an orderly and self-motivated manner. With more than an hour until sunset, Sato took the opportunity to gather some dry branches and leaves from nearby and built a campfire.
Next, Sato retrieved a wild deer leg wrapped in plastic from the storage space of his Team Rocket watch, along with some salt and seasonings. He also took out some wild Beedrill honey that he had just acquired that day.
After carefully roasting it, a golden-brown, crispy wild deer leg was ready. By this time, the Zubat and Nidoran had arrived right on schedule, eagerly watching the roasting deer leg over the fire.
In fact, both Zubat and Nidoran were omnivores, though Nidoran was more adaptable in his diet than Zubat. Therefore, both Pokémon could digest meat.
"Hurry back to training! This roasted deer leg isn't meant for you two," Sato said with a stern expression, noticing his Pokémon drooling over the leg turning on the spit.
The well-seasoned roasted deer leg was specially prepared for his little Growlithe. He planned to consult the Growlithe's wishes tomorrow, as they were set to leave this place.
If the Growlithe agreed to join him, the roasted deer leg would serve as a welcoming gift. If the Growlithe refused, it would act as a farewell gift.
A few minutes later, Sato ended the Pokémon's training early and, after spending over ten minutes navigating the area, arrived at the grove where the Growlithe roosted.
Suddenly, a rustling sound filled the air. As Sato stepped into the grove, a shiny-furred male Growlithe appeared before him and jumped straight into his arms.
Compared to the small Growlithe from five days ago, this one had grown significantly, now about two-thirds the size of its father, and had become a bit chubby.
The rapid growth was largely due to Sato bringing him tasty food every morning and evening. With plenty to eat and sleep, the little Growlithe had started to gain some weight.
Moreover, during these few days, the little Growlithe's father had clearly begun special training for him. The little Growlithe had already reached level 10 and had even learned the moves Flame Wheel and Flame Charge in such a short time.
This indicated that the male Growlithe had inherited excellent talent from his father.
Here's the information for the little Growlithe:
Pokémon: Growlithe
Level: 10
Type: Fire
Ability: Flash Fire
Gender: Male
Known Moves: Bite, Roar, Ember, Leer, Odor Sleuth, Flame Wheel (Tutor), Flame Charge (Tutor)
"Hahaha! Alright, alright, Growlithe, I know you're happy to see me. I brought you some treats today," Sato said, struggling a bit as he pushed away the Growlithe that was enthusiastically licking his face.
Hearing Sato's words, the little Growlithe stopped his face-licking attack and sat down on the grass, looking at Sato with a hungry expression.
Seeing the little Growlithe looking like a true food lover, Sato patted its head and smiled. Then, under the watchful gaze of the Growlithe's sparkling eyes, he took out the specially made roasted deer leg from the storage space of his Team Rocket watch.
The roasted deer leg, coated in wild Beedrill honey, appeared incredibly enticing to the little Growlithe. As soon as it caught a whiff of the delicious aroma, saliva started to drip uncontrollably from its mouth. Without any hesitation, the little Growlithe lunged straight at the roasted deer leg in Sato's hands.
With a delighted "Woof woof woo~~," the Growlithe swallowed a large piece of roasted meat and immediately closed its eyes, letting out joyful sounds and displaying a blissful expression on its face.
Meanwhile, not far away in a patch of grass, a strong male Growlithe caught a whiff of the roasted deer leg's scent and wore a similar greedy expression, drool dripping from the corners of its mouth.
However, the sturdy male Growlithe had good self-control. While resisting its cravings, it kept a watchful eye on Sato beside the little Growlithe.
"Is it delicious, Growlithe?" Sato asked with a smile, seeing the little Growlithe enjoying the roasted deer leg.
"Woof woof woof~" Without any hesitation, the little Growlithe nodded in response. In its young mind, the food Sato had brought over the past few days was the best it had ever tasted—without a doubt.
"Oh really? That's great to hear! But, Growlithe, I'm leaving tomorrow, and I might not be able to bring you these tasty treats anymore." Upon hearing the little Growlithe's enthusiastic response, Sato smiled slightly, but his expression turned a bit serious as he spoke.
Upon hearing Sato's words, the little Growlithe, which had been happily munching on the roasted deer leg, immediately changed its expression. It looked at Sato with a pitiful gaze, reminiscent of an abandoned puppy, its eyes welling up with tears, making it look utterly forlorn.
"I'm not abandoning you; I just have to go to a very far place for a while, and I won't be able to bring you delicious food for a long time." Seeing the little Growlithe's sad expression, Sato gently patted its head.
However, as a true food lover, the little Growlithe clearly did not want Sato, who brought it food every day, to leave. It grabbed Sato's pant leg with its mouth and tugged at it, as if refusing to let Sato go.
"Of course, I don't want to stop seeing you either. That's why I'm here to ask for your wish, Growlithe. Do you wish to come with me and explore the outside world? There's so much more than just this little place where you live, and there are even tastier things out there than this roasted deer leg!" Seeing the little Growlithe's reluctance, Sato felt encouraged and quickly expressed his true intention for this visit.
However, Sato felt a chill in his heart when he noticed that although the little Growlithe initially showed joy at the thought of coming along and tasting more delicious food, it soon appeared to be thinking of something else and its expression turned a little gloomy.
"It's okay, Growlithe. If you don't want to, I won't pressure you. We're still good friends, and I'll come to visit you whenever I can," Sato observed the little Growlithe's change in demeanor and sighed softly, putting on a sincere smile to comfort the now downcast Pokémon.
Unfortunately, Sato's comforting words did not lift the little Growlithe's spirits. It seemed that because of its sadness, the delicious roasted deer leg no longer tasted good. After a few more bites, the little Growlithe turned and dashed into the grass, quickly disappearing from Sato's sight.
"It seems it really isn't going to work. After all, Pokémon have familial bonds too, and for a little Growlithe that hasn't experienced independent living yet, it's too hard to let go of that. What a pity; if I had arrived a few days later, the outcome might have been different," Sato said with a disappointed expression as he watched the little Growlithe abandon the roasted deer leg and turn away.
After waiting a few minutes without the little Growlithe returning, Sato shook his head in disappointment. He left behind a dozen high-quality spicy PokeBlocks, which the little Growlithe loved, before leaving the grove with Zubat and Gloom.
Since the little Growlithe didn't want to come with him, Sato had to respect its choice, as they had already become friends.
Upon returning to his lodging, night had fully descended. As usual, Sato fed the three Pokémon a hearty meal and then returned to the treehouse atop the giant tree, quietly spending his last night in the Viridian Forest.
Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, one night had gone by. Around six in the morning, the sun gradually rose in the east, and the Viridian Forest welcomed dawn once again.
At that moment, a cheerful barking sound suddenly woke Sato from his sleep.